Chief among these accomplishments are the many students who achieve their academic goals at Cleveland State, and from their successes realizing that they are well trained and ready to satisfy the community’s incredibly diverse business and industry needs.
The college is now guided by a new Cleveland State 2020 Community First Plan developed with significant community input. The college wants our community to expect something new from Cleveland State – they have new leadership, a new plan and most importantly, they have a new attitude.
Cleveland State’s Community First Plan focuses on all five of the counties they serve. So what exactly is new at Cleveland State? Let’s find out, shall we….
- CLCC recently completed the SACSCOC reaffirmation process. This gold standard approval from their accreditor confirms the quality of their educational programs and the strength of their efforts to complete our mission.
- The college has fully implemented the Tennessee Promise program increasing the number of high school students attending CSCC from their service area by 15% and making a college education more accessible for our community. To celebrate the official start for this new class the college was honored to have Governor Bill Haslam on campus to welcome these students.
- They have achieved the first enrollment increase since 2011. Bucking a state and national downward trend due to an improving economy the influx of traditional aged students moved the college closer to our 5-year goal of 4,000 students.
- CSCC has opened a new Monroe County Center in Vonore, TN. This new center will focus on providing industrial training and workforce support in the northern section of our service area.
- Focusing on new courses and programs at the Athens Center with advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, business, and medical office certificate and degree programs planned for Fall 2016. The Athens Center serves 450 students and provides additional opportunities for many general education classes close to home for those in our northern service area.
- Implemented new academic programs and strengthened selected current programs to meet community needs. New programs included Medical Informatics and Paramedic. Enhancements were made to our Agriculture, Industrial Technology and Honors Program.
So, what is ahead for the year to come?
- In January the college implemented the Department of Dynamic Instruction which will be responsible for injecting our curriculum with additional innovation, technology and enhanced modes of delivery to strengthen student engagement and success.
- The college will start a new Cleveland State Advisory Board. Representatives from each of our five counties along with key staff will establish an on-going vehicle for communication, advise and feedback to enhance our commitment to the ideal of “community first.”
- This spring Cleveland State will inaugurate the Community First Awards to honor community individuals from our five counties who exemplify the ideal of putting community first before self.
- Cleveland State is currently establishing the Tennessee Valley Early College at Cleveland State – an opportunity for local high school students to complete an Associate Degree while earning their high school diploma.
As you can see, Cleveland State is gaining a great deal of momentum that will power them toward the level of excellence that is expected and required. None of this could be possible without the inspiration and support received from the community they serve. With all of the changes and progress, one might be overwhelmed. But the truth is a college education is pretty much a necessity in today’s society, and with the increased competition, those campuses that are not stepping up their game will fall by the wayside. Cleveland State’s changes will not only bring a new spark and a chance to shine; it will also help give a new chance for many in East Tennessee who wish to enhance their career, their education and their lives. More information on the Cleveland State 2020 Community First Plan and enrollment can be found at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.
